Dillon Gabriel passed for 302 yards and five touchdowns as No. 7 Mililani outscored Leilehua 63-42 on Friday night at soggy John Kauinana Stadium.
The OIA Division I consolation game was part of a web of seeding possibilities for the upcoming HHSAA D-I State Football Championships. By winning the game, the Trojans had a chance to host an opening-round game by winning a coin toss with Friday night’s other winner, Campbell. However, Campbell won the coin toss — before the game — and will stay home to host an opening-round game, according to HHSAA executive director Chris Chun.
Chances are, Mililani and Leilehua will travel to the neighbor islands for their first tourney games. Both coaches, Mililani’s Rod York and Leilehua’s Nolan Tokuda, were curious about where their team’s destination will be.
“We wanted to be in the Open Division,” York said. “But we’re blessed to have a chance to play in the Division I tournament.”
The Trojans (6-3) got a strong game from their offensive line, which paved the way for a ground attack that amassed 248 yards on 31 carries. Ironman LB/RB Darius Muasau rushed for 110 yards and a touchdown on just 11 carries.
The Trojans had already beaten the Mules 52-35 during the regular season. This time, it was tight for a half. York was more disappointed in some of his players than he was happy about the win.
“We had to discipline 11 of our guys before the game,” York said. “Some guys just can’t stay disciplined before 2:37 and 4 o’clock.”
Some or all of those players sat the first half.
Leilehua (4-7) got stellar efforts from Kaleo Aloha Piceno (five receptions for 42 yards, 41 rushing yards) and quarterback Kona Andres, who was 21-for-33 with 270 passing yards and two TDs.
The visiting Mules took a 21-20 lead on a 2-yard wildcat keeper by Piceno with 2:51 left in the first half.
Mililani drove 80 yards in eight plays, scoring on Gabriel’s 53-yard TD pass to Stanton Lee, who was wide open. That gave the home team a 28-21 lead with 23 seconds left in the first half.
With their disciplined personnel back in the second half, the Trojans wore out the Mules, opening a 42-21 lead after a 48-yard TD pass by Gabriel to Andrew Valladares and a 10-yard scoring strike to Ryan Chang.
Leilehua played without standout DB/WR Charles Moku Watson, who will have season-ending surgery on a torn labrum on Tuesday.
“I’m proud of our guys,” Tokuda said. “They played hard to the end and scored 42 points, but credit goes to Mililani. They made plays and did what they had to do.”
